HOPE — a community partnership between New Britain, Berlin, Southington, Hartford HealthCare entities (The Hospital of Central Connecticut, MidState Medical Center and the Behavioral Health Network), the State’s Attorney’s Office and various community mental health agencies — is designed to offer certain opioid users the option of seeking treatment instead of being arrested. Police Officers have the option to forego a possession or paraphernalia charge for people willing to go into treatment immediately as long as the individual has no outstanding warrants for previous criminal charges. All New Britain police officers have been trained in the HOPE initiative’s message so they can explain what’s available to opioid users facing arrest. If the individual consents, they would be taken to either hospital where the emergency department staffs are prepared to help. Hospital staff are able to administer (the opioid replacement medication) Suboxone, connect the patients with recovery coaches and assess them in an environment that is stigma-free.

Anyone seeking further information can request to speak to an officer at 860 826-3000 or visit The Hospital of Central Connecticut.